Railway played their final fixture at the EuroHockey Club indoor trophy today knowing that they had already secured a silver medal but that a win or a draw would get them gold as tournament winners.
Their opposition was English club East Grinstead who had played an aggressive attacking fast game throughout the tournament. And so they started putting Railway under pressure from the first whistle. The pressure paid off and they took the lead after 4 minutes. Railway won a corner following good work by Orla Patton but Jenny Long’s shot was deflected wide. East Grinstead increased their lead in the second quarter catching Railway on the break. Railway won 2 corners which were well defended by East Grinstead.
Half time: Railway 0 East Grinstead 2.
The third quarter was evenly balanced with few chances. Railway could not find a way through the well organised East Grinstead team. Despite tired legs Railway rallied to up the tempo and attack aggressively in the fourth quarter but this left them exposed as East Grinstead scored a third. Railway never gave up and were rewarded when Orla Patton got them on the scoreboard with a battling goal. However, Railway were unable to add to this and the final score was Railway 1 East Grinstead 3, East Grinstead winning the tournament.
Railway we’re disappointed to lose the match but delighted to win silver medals and secure promotion to the illustrious EuroHockey Club Indoor Cup, the first time an Irish club indoor team has competed at this level for 30 years.
A big shout out to coaches Gareth Myburgh and Michael Fulham who prepared the team so well and to the travelling supporters who encouraged the team throughout. Congratulations also to Cambrai hockey club who hosted a fantastic tournament.
Team: Kate O’Hogan (GK), Orla Fox (C), Holly Jenkinson (VC), Jenny Long, Orla Patton, Sarah Patton, Lily Lloyd, Becky McMullen, Ailish Long, Kate Woods.
Coaches: Gareth Myburgh, Michael Fulham.
Manager: Helen Johnston